Archadian Culture
From Dynasts End
Contents |
[edit] Politics
Despite the promised fall of the Archadian Empire, politics continue much the same as they did fifty-two years ago. Emperor Larsa Ferrinas Solidor continues to make all major decisions concerning the rule of the empire with the help of his advisers and consuls. The Archadian Senate, he has stated many times, will be reestablished by the end of his rule, though many have begun to suspect that the once idealistic emperor's vows have since become hollow. Rozarria, which disbanded its own empire on the condition that Archadia would follow suit, is especially suspicious of the emperor's word. Should he die before the Senate has been brought back to power, a second war will surely erupt.
The emperor's advisers and consuls, as well as those chosen to enforce martial law as Judgemagisters and Judges, primarily come from the elites of Archades. Consuls rule Archadian territory with an iron fist in a velvet glove and have developed a reputation as an assimilating force wherever they go, throngs of Archadian immigrants following in their wake. The Judges control municipal Archadian matters and will on occasion even police the city streets. Symbols of order for the lawful and fear for criminals, violence is an oft-used weapon in the Judges' arsenal.
Archadia's expire, though smaller in size than Rozarria's, is the greatest man-driven machine Ivalice has ever known. Highly trained and highly educated, to serve as a soldier or a sailor in the Archadian military is one of the highest honors a citizen can obtain. As such, rarely are people from conquered countries allowed into the military and only then if they have shown an extreme amount of intelligence and prowess on the battlefield.
[edit] Economy
The Archadian economy is as strong as it must be to support the empire and no stronger. The rich crops of Valendia are usually kept within its own borders, only seeing export should there be a particularly abundant harvest. Archadia is for the most part self-reliant. They purchase trade goods such as fine clothing, spices and weapons from Rozarria by way of Dalmascain exchange for new magical techniques and scholarly works.
There are two economic classes within Archadia, the middle-class and the poor. Little help is given to the poor by the government and it is said that once you move into Old Archades, you never move out. Still, starvation rates are extremely low due to the strength of Ordalia's agriculture. The economic middle classes consists of merchants, consuls and judges alike, as caps have been placed on the wealth an individual can possess, partially due to the Archadian's disdain for greed and partially to prevent any one man from becoming wealthy enough to rally supporters and start a revolution.
[edit] Education
By far the most educated area in all of Ivalice, all Archadians are considered entitled to an education. Schools litter the streets of major capitals, from common grammar schools to the most prestigious military academies. Soldiers are especially well-educated. It is almost unthinkable to meet an Archadian soldier who does not know their histories, arithmetic, literature and at least three languages. Rural citizens who cannot afford the tuition or journey to schools are taught communally in the home of one grandparent or another and even the most common farmers can read and write.
[edit] Hierarchy & Values
Above all other things, Archadian society esteems dignity and the ability to carry oneself with it at all times. Other important values include justice, that is rendering to each person what he or she deserves and not justice in the modern sense of a balanced, ethical trial, devotion, reason and fealty to those above one in rank, marital fidelity and fortitude.
Greed, lasciviousness and cowardice are the three more reviled vices of Archadian society.
A highly racist culture, over 95% of Archadia's population is made up of humes. Other races are viewed as inferior and therefore as having no place in the Archadian empire. Bangaa and Moogles, for example, who live within Archadia's borders do so only because they absolutely have to. They are treated with disrespect and disgust by the vast majority of humes. Though their abuse at the hands of Archadians comes nowhere close to that of Archadians of Nabradian descent. After the Nabradian rebellion and the kingdom's subsequent demolition, the survivors were forced to flee to neighboring countries. Some ended up in Archadia. Though it is virtually impossible to tell a Nabradian from an Archadian just by looking at them, certain aspects of their demeanor can give them away. Native Archadians who show these same tendencies are often ridiculed for them, insulted with the term, "Nabrad."
Primarily a merit-based society, some people's merit is more easily recognized than others. Members of the elite social class, descended from old Archadian noble families, are expected to show their worth and, unless they publically disgrace themselves or prove to be wholly inept, it is rare for any such person to not wind up with a high-ranking position. Members of the lower classes must prove their worth twice over to secure such spots- people of other races and national origins must be able to prove themselves ten times over. As such, should a Bangaa or a Landisian carrying a title be encountered, it would be wise to behave with the utmost care.
[edit] Gender & Sexuality
The sexes are viewed as roughly equal in Archadian society and it is not uncommon to find female judges and consuls scattered throughout the territories. Sexuality is a thing discussed frankly if it is discussed at all; many Archadians view sex as either a necessity for the sustaining of their nation or a waste of time. Homosexuality, while not actively encouraged, is not looked down upon. So long as their duties are being fulfilled, a man or woman can sleep with whoever they like (so long as they are able and willing to give consent).
[edit] Stereotypes
Throughout Ivalice, common stereotypes of Archadians state that they are racist, two-faced, capable, snobbish, business-like, pompous, uncaring colonizers.
[edit] Official Language(s)
Archadian
